A travel wardrobe is different from a regular wardrobe. How so? It should include comfy, breathable pieces made of stretchy, flexible fabrics while also being versatile, layerable, and suitable for different activities, climates, and occasions. Finding items that check all the boxes can be challenging. To make it easy, we’ve rounded up the best travel clothing brands that carry casual, professional, weather-friendly, and active pieces alike. The Travel + Leisure team not only trusts these featured brands but has also personally tried many of their best-selling, highly rated clothes, outerwear, and shoes firsthand. We used our extensive apparel and footwear testing process to come up with the best places to shop online for all types of travelers. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best for Everyday: Best for Business Travel: Best Sustainable: Best Athleisure: Best for Capsule Wardrobes: Best Budget: Best Size-inclusive: Best for Shapewear: Best for Hiking: Why We Love It Unbound Merino's clothes are woven from ultra-soft, stretchy, non-wrinkling wool that wicks away sweat and promises to keep odors at bay. What to Consider The selection is somewhat limited, but it's great for basics. When it comes to travel apparel, Unbound Merino is tough to beat. Crafted from premium merino wool boasting super-fine, silky fibers, the fabrics are not only not itchy but are also softer, stretchier, and more wrinkle-resistant than many cotton weaves. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and sweat-wicking, too, meaning it won't harbor odor-causing bacteria. So you can wear the garments multiple times on a trip without needing to wash them — the brand says you can wear its clothes for weeks without laundering them. Unbound Merino carries lots of comfy basics that are excellent for travel, like plain tees, long-sleeves, and pants that feel like sweats but look like professional trousers. We're particularly fond of the Women's Merino Wool Travel Dress. This versatile frock can be dressed up or down, worn as-is or under a light jacket, and styled with sandals, heels, flats, or sneakers. We also like the Men's Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt, a perfect short-sleeve tee or undershirt for guys. The Details: 90-day return policy Why We Love It The brand's active-meets-casual pieces are just the thing for travel days, athleisure outfits, and sporty weekend looks. What to Consider You'll mostly find athleisure and loungewear clothing, but there are some good trousers and knitwear items, too. Alo is technically a yoga apparel brand, but it makes some excellent athleisure and loungewear pieces for comfy everyday ensembles. The brand has also expanded its offerings to include things like work-ready trousers, knit sweaters, bodysuits, and sporty dresses. We love Alo's 7/8 High-waist Airlift Legging on account of its extra-wide waistband and soft fabric that lifts and sculpts your curves. When going for a more laid-back look, we'd rock the slouchy Alcolade Sweatpant with a pair of sneakers. The Details: 30-day return policy Why We Love It Madewell carries lots of professional-looking pieces, like blouses, bodysuits, button-ups, trousers, and midi dresses. What to Consider The men's collection isn't as extensive as the women's. Madewell is known for its denim, and while we certainly love the jeans, it's also a great place to shop for a work trip. From sophisticated dresses and tailored pants to chic blouses, button-ups, and bodysuits, you'll find a range of high-quality, professional-looking pieces. The Harlow Pant is one of our favorites for business-casual and business-professional outfits. This best-seller features a high-rise, wide-leg cut and a drapey, breathable blend of cotton and Tencel. (It's also available in a curvy fit, with a contoured waistband and extra room through the hips and thighs.) The Details: 30-day return policy The 12 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Why We Love It Besides its impressive collection of classy, travel-ready clothes, we appreciate Everlane's commitment to reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. What to Consider The brand leans seasonless but has some cold- and warm-weather pieces available. Everlane carries a mostly seasonless collection of travel-ready apparel, including jogger-trouser hybrid pants, jeans in on-trend yet versatile cuts, elegant sweaters, classy Oxford shirts, everyday crewnecks, cotton dresses, and jumpsuits. The brand is also dedicated to sustainability, with a waste-minimizing supply chain and a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by over 50 percent by 2030. The Dream Pant is one of our go-tos for travel days. These pants look like tailored trousers but feel like stretchy joggers, plus the fabric is wrinkle-resistant and (according to Everlane) "comfortable enough to nap in." The Details: 30-day return policy Why We Love It Lululemon carries not only top-notch athleisure wear, but also pieces you can wear to work that feel like lounge clothes. What to Consider Though the sizes can run a little small, the Align collection stretches to fit even if you fluctuate sizes. We pretty much always pack at least one Lululemon item when traveling. Originally a yoga apparel brand, it now offers an impressive range of loungewear and athleisure pieces, including leggings in virtually every cut, style, and color. You'll even find work-appropriate garments, like trousers, poplin shirts, and blazers that feel like athleisure wear. The prices can be steep, but you can often strike gold in the discounted "We Made Too Much" section. Lululemon launched its uber-popular, borderline-famous Align Pant in 2015. While we certainly like the original, the pocketed version is ideal for travel — and it's made with the same buttery-soft fabric and super-wide, high-rise waistband. We also like the slightly looser-fitting Align High-rise Jogger, which has pockets big enough to hold a smartphone. The Details: 30-day return policy Why We Love It This affordable luxury brand has pieces you can dress up or down and wear in multiple seasons. What to Consider While many cashmere and silk items are machine washable, the brand still recommends hand washing. Quince is a relatively new clothing brand but has gained a loyal following since its 2020 launch. When you browse the site, you'll find affordable pieces made from premium materials, like cashmere, natural silk, and linen. There's even a chart on each product page that breaks down exactly how it gets the prices so low. Just the thing for building a capsule wardrobe, the high-quality, multi-season garments can be mixed and matched to create endless outfits. Quince also has an almost unheard-of 365-day return window. We like the Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, which comes in women's and men's sizes. We're also big fans of the Washable Stretch Silk Blouse because it's not only machine washable, but it’s also versatile enough to wear with a skirt, jeans, shorts, or pants. The Details: 365-day return policy Why We Love It Amazon's own clothing brand has accessibly priced travel basics, loungewear, professional attire, and swimsuits for men, women, and kids. What to Consider The "try before you buy" option is only available for Prime members. If you're on a budget, look no further than Amazon. The mega-retailer has many private label brands, including a very accessibly priced clothing line, Amazon Essentials. There's tons of great stuff for men, women, and kids, including wardrobe basics, loungewear, dresses, sweaters, underwear, swimsuits, and even workwear. Prime members can get their items within a couple of days (sometimes even with same-day delivery) and take advantage of the "try before you buy" perk. This allows you to order items to try on and ship them back without being charged for anything if you decide you don't want them. The Women's Short-sleeve Maxi is breathable, stretchy, lightweight, and versatile — everything you want in a travel dress. Amazon Essentials also has many affordable short-sleeve men's shirts, including henleys, V-necks, and crewnecks, like this two-pack of Regular-fit Short-sleeve Pocket T-shirts. The Details: 30-day return policy Why We Love It Many styles run from XXS to 6XL, plus they're made of stretchy, flexible fabrics that won't wrinkle in your suitcase. What to Consider The brand suggests using a wash bag or microfiber filter when washing and hanging items to dry. Girlfriend Collective has one of the most inclusive size ranges out there — many of its styles come in 11 sizes, running from XXS to 6XL. The brand carries fitness apparel, athleisure, loungewear, bodysuits, dresses, and outerwear – all stretchy, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and packable. Most items are made of fabrics sourced from recycled plastic bottles, and you can even recycle the pieces you're done wearing through the ReGirlfriend program. The brand's Compressive Pocket Legging is a stellar choice for travel. We like how the soft yet sturdy fabric holds you in without restricting movement, and the deep side pockets are big enough for a phone or passport. The Details: 30-day return policy The 9 Best Fleece-lined Leggings for Cozy Winter Flights, Road Trips, and Workouts Why We Love It Spanx has shapewear for every outfit, along with thoughtfully designed clothing items you can wear while traveling, to work, and on weekends. What to Consider Many items come in limited colors, but the selection is getting broader. Spanx is almost synonymous with shapewear. The brand carries a comprehensive selection of undergarments that hold you in, smooth certain areas, and enhance your curves — think bodysuits, high-rise underwear, compressive shorts, tanks, and camis. Besides that, you can now get chic, comfy apparel, including travel clothes, workwear, swimsuits, and even jeans with hidden shapewear features. Made specifically for travel, the AirEssentials Collection has cozy yet classy jumpsuits, dresses, and wear-anywhere pants. We like the Suit Yourself Boat Neck Ribbed Bodysuit because it combines core-smoothing shapewear with a sleek long-sleeve shirt you can style many ways. The Details: 60-day return policy Why We Love It This outdoor apparel brand has all types of hiking clothes, from pocketed pants and shorts to layering pieces and weather-ready, stuffable outerwear. What to Consider Patagonia doesn't make hiking shoes or boots. If you're planning a hiking trip, Patagonia likely has almost everything you need. We're talking layering pieces, pocketed trail pants and shorts, windbreakers, rain jackets, packable puffer coats, and thick, sweat-wicking socks. It doesn't carry hiking boots or shoes, but we can tell you which ones to buy from other retailers. We tested the Women's Chambeau Rock Pants and loved the elastic waistband, adjustable cuffs, ample pockets, silky-soft fabric, and true-to-size fit. The material is also breathable and stretchy, preventing you from overheating while offering a full range of movement on the trail. These pants did a great job repelling water, too, so you can definitely wear them on a drizzly day. The Details: Unlimited return policy Why We Love It Columbia makes a myriad of weather-ready pieces, like vests, pullovers, stuffable puffers, rain jackets, and windbreakers. What to Consider The outerwear options are more for outdoor activities than professional or formal occasions. Columbia has been making outdoor apparel for nearly a century. When you shop the collections, you'll find practical base layers, hiking clothes, snow gear, and lifestyle pieces you can wear for travel and other casual occasions. The brand really stands out for its outerwear offerings, which include fleece pullovers, insulated vests, down jackets, raincoats, and windbreakers. Some options feature Omni-Heat technology, a foil-like lining that essentially reflects your body heat back onto itself to keep you toasty-warm when the temperatures drop. We tried the Women's Carson Pass Interchange Jacket firsthand and were thoroughly impressed. We found it very warm and liked how easy it was to layer over various shirts and even sweatshirts. What's more, this coat has fleece-lined pockets, sleeves with thumbholes, and a hood that actually stays in place when you put it on. The Details: 60-day return policy Why We Love It This swimwear brand has well-made one-pieces and bikinis in multiple coverage options, cuts for long torsos, and an inclusive range of sizes. What to Consider Some styles may not be supportive enough for large chests, and the return window is pretty short. Andie is a prime place to shop for swimsuits. The brand is known for its well-made one-pieces with flattering cuts and comfortable designs that don't require constant adjusting — including options for long torsos and plus-size bodies. You'll also find bikinis, cover-ups, and various accessories, like hats, sunglasses, and beach bags. We tested The Amalfi One Piece and fell in love with the thick, durable ribbed fabric. It's exceptionally comfy, even when soaking-wet, and dries quickly, so you're never soaking-wet for long. Though the thin straps may not be supportive enough for those with large chests, we appreciate that you can choose from three coverage options on the bottom: medium, cheeky, or full. The Details: 14-day return policy Why We Love It Nike's footwear selection goes far beyond trainers, with streetwear styles and walking shoes that'll keep your feet happy for hours. What to Consider The rocking outsoles might take some getting used to. Nike has dominated the sportswear market for multiple decades. Over the years, its offerings have expanded to include athleisure clothes, streetwear, and travel-friendly lifestyle pieces. Beyond clothes, the brand has some of the best shoes not just for working out and playing sports but also for hanging out and taking a leisurely stroll. We tried Nike's Motiva Walking Shoes, which have unique rocker-style bottoms. The shape of the outsoles took some getting used to, but it really seemed to optimize our stride in terms of stability, shock absorption, arch support, and overall comfort. We also adore the sporty-chic look. The Details: 60-day return policy Our in-depth testing process for clothing involves carefully inspecting the garments, assessing the materials, trying them on to evaluate the fit, and wearing them for various activities for multiple hours at a time. We rate apparel based on factors such as fit, comfort, breathability, moisture resistance, stretch, durability, care requirements, and overall value. The results for this article were compiled from multiple testers who used the products in real-life settings, often for ongoing, months-long periods. When buying travel clothes, look for versatile pieces you can dress up or down, mix and match with different outfits, and wear on numerous occasions. Like a capsule wardrobe, this will allow you to pack fewer items and re-wear certain garments. The best apparel for travel is also suitable for multiple seasons, meaning you can layer pieces under or over it for cooler or warmer weather. We recommend prioritizing odor-resistant, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant materials, such as wool, cashmere, lyocell, performance fabrics, and cotton blends containing a stretchy fiber, like spandex or elastane. Some fabrics have built-in sun protection listed as UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). You'll also be glad to have clothing with pockets. These will come in handy on travel days when you need to quickly stash your phone, boarding pass, ID, or cards. Strategically placed pockets can also allow you to forgo a purse or backpack (or at least bring a smaller one) on some outings. Frequently Asked Questions What should you not wear when traveling? On travel days (whether you're catching a flight, taking the train, or road-tripping), you want to avoid things that make it hard to sit comfortably for hours or quickly go to the bathroom. For some people, this includes bodysuits, jumpsuits, rompers, dresses, and overalls. What is the best material for travel clothing? The best material for travel clothing is stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, meaning it'll draw sweat away from your body to prevent you from overheating. It should also be wrinkle-resistant, so you can pack it in your suitcase without worrying about creases. Fabrics that check all the boxes include wool, cashmere, lyocell, some cotton blends, and performance fabrics. What should I wear on a plane? While you have lots of options for what to wear on a plane, it’s most important to be comfortable and able to move freely, with layers you can take off or throw on if you get hot or cold. You can't go wrong with stretchy jeans or trousers with a simple tee or long-sleeve and a crewneck sweater, half-zip sweatshirt, or button-down flannel. While you shouldn't wear pajamas, some people rock head-to-toe athleisure or loungewear sets, which we can totally get behind. Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in travel, apparel, accessories, footwear, and consumer goods. She has worn multiple pieces from every brand on this list and is personally familiar with the fabrics, quality, comfort features, and wearability. The 12 Best T-shirts for Women of 2024 Love a great deal? 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Tips for Buying Travel Clothing
Choose versatile items
Look for travel-friendly features
Lace-up shoes can also slow you down when going through airport security. Though some advise against wearing sandals (especially without socks), slip-on footwear such as slides or sneakers can be a good choice. Other things that can hold you back include belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories. Why Trust Travel + Leisure
FAQs
What is the best outfit for travelling? ›
Generally soft, stretchy, and loose-fitting clothing is best for travel, as it'll keep you comfy and won't feel restrictive on long flights or drives. Some people may also opt for compressive clothing, like leggings or compression socks, which helps promote circulation on long travel days.
What clothes should I pack for travel? ›Choose clothing with wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, & lightweight fabrics if possible. Polyester, bamboo, nylon, lyocell, modal, & wool are typically good fabrics to choose in travel wear. Read the tag or the care label inside the garment to find out the content of the fabric.
How to look classy when flying? ›- Keep your outfit simple and wear neutral colours. ...
- Wear layers to be Stylish and Comfortable when Flying. ...
- Choose wrinkle-resistant, breathable fabrics: ...
- Wear comfortable, stylish shoes.
Prioritize Comfort: Choose clothing that is soft, stretchy, and nonrestrictive, such as joggers. Layer Wisely: Wear layers that can be easily added or removed to adjust to the changing cabin temperature. Compression Clothing: Consider compression socks to help with circulation during long periods of sitting.
How many outfits do I need for a 7 day vacation? ›I have a simple equation for a week of packing – three tops and three pants that all must match each other. This way I get nine outfits from six articles of clothing! Throw in a little black dress, and you're ready to take on any destination.
What should I wear on the plane? ›Regardless of the weather in your final destination, breathable layers — like a cardigan or cover-up — will help you regulate your own body temperature and keep you comfortable throughout the flight. Comfort is another key when considering what to wear on a plane, although you shouldn't turn up in your pajamas.
Can I wear jeans for travel? ›I'm a passionate traveler and frequent flyer who's visited nearly 40 countries. On some trips, I've worn jeans on planes — and, honestly, it's not that bad. Wearing jeans helps save luggage space and can be as comfortable as sweats if they are well-worn.
What are the best colors to wear on vacation? ›When you start packing for your trip, Appelt says it's best to start with neutrals. This includes black, white, gray, tan, beige, navy, olive green, or even leopard print, she told Insider, adding that you can mix neutral colors as well.
How to look elegant and classy on vacation? ›Opt for Versatile and Comfortable Clothing
Opt for basics like stretchy jeans, leggings or travel-friendly trousers as a foundation. Pair them with blouses, tops, or sweaters in neutral tones, allowing you to effortlessly create stylish ensembles.
“Loose-fitting dresses are my go-to because you can chuck them on with a big pair of sunglasses and you're done – ideal when you have a tight schedule and early starts. I also prefer long dresses because I can't stand having bare legs on a plane or bus seat. Jumpsuits are my other failsafe for the same reason.”
How can I look beautiful while traveling? ›
Looking stylish while traveling extends beyond your clothing choices. Give attention to your skincare and beauty routine as well. Opt for multi-purpose products like tinted moisturizers with SPF to protect your skin while providing light coverage. Keep your makeup simple and fresh, emphasizing a natural look.
Should you wear jeans when travelling? ›On some trips, I've worn jeans on planes — and, honestly, it's not that bad. Wearing jeans helps save luggage space and can be as comfortable as sweats if they are well-worn.